Student Bursary

What Is the Chase Bursary?

The Chase Bursary is a dedicated fund designed to support students aged 16–19 who are pursuing BTEC and A-Level courses to facilitate participation. Any student enrolled in a Sixth Form course at The Chase is eligible to apply.

It covers costs such as curriculum school trips , transport, university open days, books, and equipment.

There are two types of bursaries: Vulnerable and Discretionary. Every application is reviewed individually to decide the funding amount.

Age Rules

• You must be at least 16 and under 19 on the 31 August of the school year you start.
• If you turn 19 during your course, your funding will stop at the end of that school year or when your course finishes (whichever comes first).

How to Apply

Hand in your completed application form to Lesley Massam. You must include:

• The specific application form (Vulnerable or Discretionary)
• A "Support Required" form
• A BACS bank details sheet (the account should ideally be in the student's name)
• Proof of your household income

1. Vulnerable Student Bursary

You can apply for this if you are in one of these government-defined groups:

• You are in care or a care leaver.
• You get Universal Credit (UC) in your own name.
• You get Employment Support Allowance (ESA) plus either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in your own name.

Note: You do not need to live away from your parents to qualify. However, if you successfully claim ESA, your parents can no longer claim Child Benefit for you.

Important: Being eligible does not guarantee money. You will only receive an award if you have actual, unmet educational costs.

2. Discretionary Bursary

You can apply for this if your total household income is under £28,000 a year. The amount you receive depends on your specific financial needs and your proof of income.

Required Proof of Income

The School must assess the student's household income. To support the application, usually past 3 months Universal Credits statements are sufficient or other official documentation that confirms income.

Students currently or previously in receipt of free school meals are not automatically entitled to receive a bursary, but this may be taken into account.

Further information

Bursary awards are conditional upon students meeting the standards and expectations outlined in the Chase Home-School Agreement.

If an application is unsuccessful, applicants have the right to appeal. Appeals will be managed in accordance with The Chase’s standard complaints procedure, where the application will be reviewed sequentially by the Head of Sixth Form, the Headteacher, and finally by a panel of Governors.